Williamson County Airport

Williamson County Airport, officially known as Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois since 2016, serves as the air gateway to the southern part of the state of Illinois, USA. Located between the cities of Herrin and Marion, it offers travellers a rare opportunity to begin their adventure without the hustle and long queues typical of major metropolitan hubs. This air harbour combines compactness with modern comfort, making it an ideal starting point for exploring this picturesque region.

The airport plays a vital role in the county's transport system, ensuring stable air connectivity thanks to the federal Essential Air Service programme. It is focused on domestic flights and is valued by both locals and visitors for its friendly atmosphere and efficient service.

Features and Advantages

The key advantage of Williamson County Airport is its convenient location and the absence of stress characteristic of large aviation hubs. Passengers can complete all pre-flight formalities quickly and calmly, saving time and energy. Despite primarily serving flights from a single airline, the airport is the tenth busiest commercial airport in Illinois. For the convenience of travellers, car rental services and parking are available within the terminal grounds.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Williamson County Airport (MWA), also known as Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois.

• Official Website: You can find flight schedules, news, and other useful information on the website flyvpsi.com.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For immediate information, you can call +1 (618) 993-2764.
• Airport Address: 10400 Terminal Drive, Marion, IL 62959, USA.
• Email: A direct email address is not provided. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official Facebook page.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative directly. Airport staff do not handle baggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Service: For general questions regarding service at the airport, you can contact the main inquiry service number.

Getting to Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA) from the city of Herrin and its surroundings is quite simple, although transport options reflect the status of a small regional hub. The journey from the city centre usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes by car, making the airport very accessible for locals and visitors to the region.

Taxis and Transfers. The most convenient and fastest way to reach the terminal is to book a taxi or use private transfer companies. This is especially suitable if you are travelling with luggage. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you have an early departure or late arrival, to guarantee vehicle availability. The cost of the trip will be moderate given the short distance.

Car Rental. If you plan to move actively around southern Illinois, renting a car is the best solution. You can rent a car in the city and drive easily to the airport, leaving it in the rental company's designated parking area. This gives maximum freedom of movement during your trip across the USA.

Private Car and Parking. For those who prefer to travel in their own vehicle, Williamson County Airport offers convenient parking options. Short-term and long-term parking lots are usually available, located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. This is a reliable and simple way to get to your flight on time.

Public Transport. Public transport options are generally limited. Direct bus or rail routes to the airport may be absent. It is recommended to check information on local transport service websites in advance; however, for tourists with luggage, this option may not be the most practical.

For travellers requiring more flight options, it is worth considering other airports in the region. For example, Barkley Regional Airport (PAH) is approximately 80 km away, and the major St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), offering numerous international and domestic flights, is located at a distance of about 160 km.

Williamson County Airport (MWA) is a compact and convenient regional hub serving all flights through one passenger terminal. Thanks to its small size, navigation is intuitive and causes no difficulties even for those visiting for the first time. The absence of multiple terminals and long walkways makes travel through this airport as fast and comfortable as possible.

The terminal building is a single space where all necessary passenger zones are concentrated. Airline check-in counters are located right at the entrance. After checking in and dropping off your luggage, you immediately proceed to the security checkpoint. The departure zone with boarding gates is located immediately after the security area. The waiting hall is small but cosy. The arrival and baggage claim area is also located in the same building, making the process of retrieving suitcases quick and simple.

One of the main advantages of the airport near Herrin is the rapid completion of all pre-flight formalities. Check-in and security screening usually take no more than 20-30 minutes due to low passenger traffic. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — about an hour to an hour and a half before departure, to complete all procedures without rushing, especially if you are travelling with luggage.

Since MWA has only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings or the use of shuttles. All services — from check-in counters to boarding gates and the baggage claim area — are within walking distance of each other. Getting lost here is practically impossible, making travel through Williamson County as calm and predictable as possible.

The history of Williamson County Regional Airport (MWA), serving the city of Herrin and its surroundings, is closely linked to key events in the history of the USA. The airport was opened in April 1940, and its emergence was largely driven by growing global tensions on the eve of the country's entry into World War II.

Immediately after opening, the airport was transferred to the jurisdiction of the United States Army Air Forces. A contract school for training glider pilots (USAAF Contract Glider Training School) was organised here. This was one of many such training centres across the country preparing specialists for airborne operations. Thus, in its early years, MWA made a significant contribution to the country's military efforts. This period remains one of the most significant in its history.

After the end of World War II, the airport was demilitarised and transferred to civil use, becoming a key transport hub for the southern part of Illinois. For decades, it served flights of various regional airlines, including the well-known Ozark Air Lines, which for a long time connected the region with major hubs such as St. Louis and Chicago. Over the years, the airport has gone through several stages of modernisation, including terminal renovation and runway improvements to meet modern aviation standards.

Today, Williamson County Regional Airport continues to play an important role in the region's transport infrastructure. It serves as a reminder of the rich history of aviation and the transformation from a military facility to a modern civil air gateway, providing connectivity for business and tourism. An interesting fact: despite its modest size, the airport is one of the few in the country whose history began with training elite pilots of unpowered aircraft.

Williamson County Airport (MWA) is a compact regional hub that provides passengers with all basic amenities for a comfortable wait before departure. It is important to remember that this is a small airport, so the range of services here is basic. Shopping opportunities are limited; however, in the terminal, you can find a small café or snack bar where you can have a snack and drink coffee. For a wider selection of meals, it is recommended to eat at one of the establishments in nearby cities before arriving at the airport.

For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your flight. Charging stations for electronic devices are also installed in the waiting lounge. Specialised lounges or VIP areas are absent at the airport, which is standard practice for aviation hubs of this size.

Regarding financial services, there is usually an ATM in the terminal building for cash withdrawals. However, currency exchange points are not provided here, so tourists from other countries should take care of exchanging money in advance. The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: ramps and accessible toilets are available. To receive assistance, such as a wheelchair, you must contact your airline in advance. Families with small children can use changing tables in the baby care rooms. There are no specialised medical points at the airport, but in case of an emergency, staff will call an ambulance.

Although there are no hotels directly on the grounds of Williamson County Airport, many accommodation options can be found a few minutes' drive away in nearby cities such as Marion. Business centres with conference rooms are typically located there as well, as such services for business travellers are not provided within the airport itself.

Williamson County Airport (MWA) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited but allows for satisfying basic passenger needs before departure. Dining options are concentrated in the main terminal and are available before passing through security control.

The main and essentially the only establishment is The Cockpit Bar and Grill. This restaurant is located in the main terminal building (in the public landside zone), so it can be visited by both departing passengers and those seeing them off. It offers classic American dishes: burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks. This place is suitable for both a full lunch and a quick snack while waiting for a flight.

Regarding special dietary requirements, the choice may be very limited. Vegetarian passengers might manage to find a salad or vegetable snack on the menu; however, specialised vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes are generally not available here. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to bring food with you or eat before arriving at the airport.

The opening hours of The Cockpit Bar and Grill depend directly on the flight schedule and may change. The establishment is usually open before departures but may be closed at other times. For a quick snack, vending machines with drinks and snacks are also available at the airport. The price range at the restaurant is moderate, typical for small regional airports in the USA.

Travelling through a regional airport like Williamson County in the city of Herrin has its own specific features. To make your trip go as smoothly as possible, use these tips to help prepare for your flight and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite it being a small airport, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. This will give you enough time to check in luggage and pass through security control without rushing. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight in advance and save the boarding pass on your phone.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. The screening procedure at regional airports in the USA usually goes faster than in major hubs, but the rules remain the same. Remember the restriction on carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Large electronics, such as laptops, will need to be placed in a separate tray. It is forbidden to carry weapons, sharp objects, and flammable substances in hand luggage.

Seat Selection and Transfers. When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely and exit the plane first. Since flights from Herrin are often connecting flights, when booking a ticket, ensure you have enough time for the transfer at the arrival airport, especially if it is a major international hub. A minimum of 1.5-2 hours between flights is a good guideline.

Customs Control. Williamson County Airport serves only domestic flights, so there is no need to pass through customs or passport control here. The only mandatory procedure is the pre-flight security screening (TSA).

Saving Money and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, book tickets in advance and consider travelling only with hand luggage to avoid paying for checked baggage. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information and possible rebooking options. Since the choice of cafés and shops is limited in small airports, it is useful to have a book, downloaded films, or an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security control.